We're a family of four looking for a comfortable 2-bedroom unit on Caye Caulker. Looks like our only real options are De Real Macaw or Iguana Reef. Iguana Reef looks nice, but we'd prefer something on the beach. We'd appreciate any info on these (or other) properties. Thanks.

Have you checked out the Toucan Trail and accommodation sections of the Belize Forum (search those sections 1st, then ask)? Lots of great opinions and advice there. Also, Tree Tops gets a lot of good reviews:

www.treetopsbelize.com
www.belizeforum.com

We stayed at De Real Macaw this past December, although not in their condo unit. Nice people, nice rooms. The beach in front really isn't swimmable, but nice views.

We stayed at Iguana Reef last year. It was nice, but quite pricey for the amenities. We were on an upper floor facing the water with a nice private balcony, but the palm trees obstructed a clear view of the water.

There is a large sandy beach-like area along the waters edge at the hotel, and you can go in the water off the shoreline. We snorkeled from the shore at the hotel and saw some interesting things.

It's a very short walk to the "split" where there is a better beach area.

Iguana Reef is on the quiet side of the island, away from the main strip of restaurants and shops. The whole island is no more than 4 blocks wide, it's a very short stroll to anywhere you want to go.

"Quite pricey" for Iguana Reef of course is relative. It's a little over US$100 double. That's about one-half the cost of similar accommodations on Ambergris Caye, and one-third the price of similar accommodations in the main Caribbean. A raging bargain by Caribbean standards.

Seaside Cabanas is the other property on the island that's comparable to Iguana Reef. It's in the same price range, with some units a little under US$100 and some a little over. It does have a pool, the only hotel pool on the island. It's on the sea side, near the main public pier. Quite nice, especially the four units with roof top private sunning areas.

--Lan Sluder